Hulkenberg agrees drive with Renault for 2017

Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg has agreed a drive with Renault for the 2017 season.

The German has signed a two-year contract with the team, with an option to extend the deal into a third season.

However, Force India still need to agree to release Hulkenberg before he can join Renault for next season fully.

This should not pose a problem, due to the fact that Deputy Team Principal Bob Fernley has spoken that he would not stand in Hulkenberg’s way if he chose to leave.

This now means that Renault has just one seat left for 2017, with several drivers in the picture, as well as current drivers Jolyon Palmer and Kevin Magnussen fighting for the final seat.

Former reserve driver for Renault and current Manor driver Esteban Ocon is also reportedly in the running for the final seat, however there is speculation that he could now be under interest from Force India as a replacement for Hulkenberg.

Ocon has also been linked to a seat at Renault.

Williams’ Valtteri Bottas has also been linked with the French team after he was in discussion with them, however they are a back-up if Williams decides not to take up the option to sign Bottas for 2017, which they are expected to do so soon.